Posts by x3sports
Success Story: In-Depth with Kelly Engleka
If you want something you have to go and get it. Do you know what you want?
On the mat is Kelly’s favorite place to be.
Kelly Engleka knew immediately and took action by joining X3 Sports without even trying a class. She wanted to change her life and she did. Her career as a recruiter was only 1.5 miles away from her local X3 Sports Marietta. Little did she know there was a whole family and friends waiting for her. Follow along with this month’s Success Story as we interview about how her decision a year ago is still positively affecting her mentally, emotionally and physically.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER X3?
“Someone emailed me about X3. I knew you guys were only 1.5 miles from where I work, but I didn’t know much about the gym. Someone in my life said, ‘You should check out the gym.’ I came in from work one day and signed right up. I walked into the door, and wanted to try kickboxing.
January 2015 (Before on the left) vs. January 2016 (After on the right)
“That January, I had run a race called “The Goofy Race & A Half Challenge” at Walt Disney World”. It was a half marathon of 13.1 miles on Saturday with my mom, and then a full marathon of 26.2 miles on Sunday with my friend. I had my medals and was so excited, and then I saw the race pictures and I was mortified. I didn’t like how I looked. I looked swollen.
“I knew that my gym habits weren’t working. I was doing local gyms around here. And so I knew something had to change. X3 Sports was a style of gym I had never been to and said ‘Why not? Let’s give it a shot!'”
SEEMS YOU ARE QUITE THE ATHLETE! WHAT SPORTS HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN?
Always in motion, Kelly kicks, punches and knees her way to being fit!
“I was a basketball player all throughout childhood and into adulthood. I was obsessed with it, I was a shooting guard. But I’m 5’4” and I knew I didn’t have a future career in the WNBA. I was also a swimmer and did a little track & field and threw discus in shot put and made it all the way in state.
“In college, I played intramurals for awhile. I went out for the basketball team but decided to focus on getting my education. After that, I ate like I was working out all day long, but I wasn’t working out anymore. So I gained a lot more than the Freshman 15.
“So post college, lot of running which taught me self-discipline and self-worth, but it’s not necessarily a weight-loss sport that way I was doing it. I was going to spin classes and hot yoga, but I wasn’t treating my body like the athlete that I am. I wasn’t eating correctly, I wasn’t warming up or cooling down correctly. So my workout routine was really basic: write some stuff down, go into the gym, try and lift some weights, do spin class, walk out and then consume twice as many calories as I probably burned.”
THAT ACTUALLY SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE. THEY THINK THEY HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT TO DO, THEY GO AND DO IT, AND NOTHING HAPPENS AND THEN THEY QUIT.
“I practicially live here!
“X3 works for people who want to come in and invest in X3. You come in willing to work, and X3 works with you. You give and you get, and it makes you better person.”
YOU SAID YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH MARTIAL ARTS [MUAY THAI] IMMEDIATELY. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?
You can feel the team camaraderie at the end of each Muay Thai class.
“Not having any martial arts background at all, I never took karate or anything. When I came into kickboxing, I liked the feeling of kicking and punching a bag. As an adult, that’s a great way to get your stress out.
“Muay Thai class was right across from Kickboxing class, and there was a couple nights I saw some people and it looked like a family working hard together but also joking around.
“I asked my instructor Joel Kasik about transitioning from Kickboxing to Muay Thai and he help me out. Something about it just clicked. There was a discipline the art required and a learning aspect. I don’t think very often as adults we push ourselves to learn something new. So it’s been really amazing to start from scratch. It’s been awesome to be like a kindergartner and learn the basics and work from the ground up. Something about that really worked with my spirit.”
AMAZING, ONE DAY YOU ARE WATCHING THE CLASS, NEXT DAY YOU ARE IN THE CLASS! JUST LIKE JOINING X3, SEEMS LIKE WHEN YOU WANT TO DO IT, THEN YOU JUST GO AND DO IT.
“I feel like you have to be that way about your life. If you want something, you have to go and get it. Nobody is going to get it for you. Nobody is going to hand it to you. But what’s great is when people see you working for what you want, they innately want to help you. You form relationships this way.”
YOU MENTIONED YOU COME HERE DAILY AND THAT X3 IS YOUR FAMILY. TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT.
“These days I’m at the gym 5 days a week, my routine usually consists of Muay Thai, FastTrack, and PowerTrack. On the mats, I’d say that Joel Kasik is the best natural mentor and coach X3 has. Off the mat, Mike Pryce has pushed me more than anyone else at the gym. X3 really is a family; it shows every single day I walk in the door. The staff knows me, asks about my progress and continually supports me – everyone from the smiling faces at the front desk to Mr. Hoseh who does such a great job keeping the gym sparkling to the operations manager Joel Toledo.
Kelly doing knee kicks with friend Brandy Nicole.
“My best friend in the whole wide world is in Muay Thai. She’s phenomenal and an amazing athlete, her name is Brandy. And Joel Kasik is such a great teacher, a natural leader and mentor who can very quickly figure out what you need to be told to learn. In class, he knows he’s got people of varying abilities and various learning levels, and we all want to be taught differently. I might want to see it, and someone else might want him to explain it. Joel can attune and work with each one of us. We’ve become good friends. He’s an instructor and I enjoy working with him. More importantly, he makes me want to succeed for him. I go into class wanting to work hard because I know he is invested in me as an athlete.”
YOU SHARED EARLIER THAT WHEN YOU FIRST CAME TO X3 SPORTS AND TOOK A CLASS, AND THEN CAME IN AGAIN THE NEXT DAY, THE INSTRUCTOR REMEMBERED YOUR NAME. HOW DID THAT AFFECT YOU?
“That made the difference. I probably wouldn’t be here. There’s no possible way he remembers every newbie’s name. And if he does, that’s amazing. It makes you feel like people care about whether or not you’re here. If you work hard, people notice and they keep noticing.”
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY. WHAT WAS YOUR WEIGHT BEFORE X3 AND WHAT IS YOUR WEIGHT NOW?
Kelly with her brother Matt were featured on our website and social media as X3 siblings.
“From my heaviest of December 2014, I was 235. And today, I have lost 33 lbs. I am three pounds away from hitting 199! (Just a few days later in February, Kelly has already surpassed her goal). My weight loss journey has been my entire adult life.
“For me, it’s been particularly emotional because I have a very fit family. My mom and dad are tremendous athletes, as well as my brother, who also is an X3 member. So I’ve always felt like the black sheep. Once I hit that 199, I will be the lightest I’ve been in 12 years. Right now, I’m absolutely the fittest I’ve ever been in my entire life!”
WHAT ARE SOME GOALS YOU HAVE ACHIEVED? AND WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
“They always tell you to take before and after pictures and write down goals. Unfortunately I didn’t do that. I am a journaler, and I’ve been writing down my sports journey while I’ve been here. What’s funny is I have exceeded goals I didn’t even know I’ve made. I remember when I couldn’t do a push-up, or 15 minutes of Muay Thai and I was doubled-over. Now I don’t think about going for 2 hours.
“I’m thankful for X3, the people, and the process and I’m proud of the things I achieved in 2015 – the weight loss, cutting 30 minutes off my half marathon time, increased mobility, and so much more.
“I run tons of races. I counted my medals for fun one day and I have close to 40 medals, and they signify over 500 miles of races. Actually a whole bunch of us from X3 are going to run the Mercedes Benz half marathon in Alabama next month (March 2016).
“My 2016 goals would be to absolutely fight in Muay Thai. We are looking at either May or July! I would love to power clean 150 lbs by the end of July, which should be really attainable. And then to drop 20 lbs to 180. I joke with Mike that afterwards, he can bulk me up all he wants!”
HOW DID YOU GET INTO LIFTING WEIGHTS?
Competitive Olympic power-cleaning is just another thing Kelly wanted to do and did it!
“I lifted in high school for basketball. One day working with Mike, he just set up the bar and I just did it. I was like “Whoa, I did that!”, and so was he just as impressed! Mike saw the hungry athlete in me. We started Olympic weight lifting in October and now I can already power clean 130 lbs! I am lifting and doing strength exercises I never in a million years thought I would be doing.
“It becomes so addictive to push your body. Sometimes I have to be careful and pull back and remind myself that my goal is still to lose weight, and not become the next power lifter! When you’re doing power cleans, you feel so powerful and awesome.
“One of the words I feel really passionate about is resilience. That’s my goal in life. That’s my goal with X3. That’s my goal with my fitness journey is to be resilient. I want to be able to be able to weather the things that I know that hopefully 90 more years of life are going to throw at me.”
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FIRST UPCOMING MUAY THAI FIGHT. HOW EXCITED ARE YOU AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
“It’s important to me that Joel thinks I’m able to fight. He’ll be the one in my corner when I do fight. My goal isn’t to be X3’s next great Muay Thai fighter. It’s just something that I want to do. I want to step in the ring, whether it’s one time, three times or fives times and compete. I want to be a competitor. I want to know that I did this for myself. And if I lose, I lose. I walk away proud of myself.”
YOU MENTIONED A QUOTE BY AUTHOR JEFF GOINS: “THERE ARE NO BIG BREAKS. ONLY TINY DRIPS OF EFFORT THAT LEAD TO WAVES OF MOMENTUM.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?
“The way that I work is through gleaming inspiration from whether it’s books or other people who are pushing themselves. We are in a culture of instant gratification. Everyone wants everything right now. They think that they deserve it right now. They live hoping that get that golden check in the mail, or something’s going to happen and I’m going to wake up and everything I could possibly want is going to be there. And that’s just not the way it works. Maybe it does happen that way for some people, but I don’t think it’s safe to live your life thinking or feeling like that.
“So as I approach my weight loss and fitness journey and my life here at X3, there are days that it sucks, that hurt, that when I get home, nothing clicks and I think “why did I go to the gym today?” Then I remind myself that it’s the tiny drips of effort, it’s the five minutes of doing the best I can, that eventually create the waves. Think about what waves can do, waves move land. And in my head, I have to remember that coming in doing what I’m suppose to do day in and day out, will initially pay off.”
IF SOMEONE WERE TO ASK YOU WHAT IS X3, WHAT ARE THREE WORDS YOU WOULD SAY?
- “Family – because these people are my family. There are so many people here that I could call at the drop of a dime to come help me if I needed help.
- Tenacity – because to train here, you have to be an athlete. And what’s funny, you know who athletes are? Everybody. If you have a body, you are an athlete. They train people here like they’re athletes because we are athletes. So you have to be tenacious about your training.
- Resilience – because coming in, working hard every single day, it does make you resilient in life. You think to youself, “if I can take 3 really hard FastTracks one week at X3, I can deal with my angry boss today.”
LAST QUESTION, DO YOU RECOGNIZE THE PERSON YOU WERE A YEAR AGO TODAY?
“I’ll tell you that I’m a much happier person now.”
Kelly goofying around with her Muay Thai instructor Joel.
“I don’t remember exactly, but I’ll you that I was horribly unhappy. I’ll tell you that I’m a much happier person now. Beyond that, one of the coolest things about this journey, is I’m a better person. I’m kinder. I’m gentler and I have a much more open heart and a sincere spirit. And these are things I’ve worked on physically to achieve, and also emotionally. You come in every day and you put your heart on your sleeve. You work as hard as you can. Some days, people look at you and go, “Holy Cow,” some days people look at you and go, “Move out of the way.”
“So, I would say I remember I wasn’t happy. And I will tell you that I am so, so happy with myself and who I am relationally with other people now.
The question is: “Are you happy? And what can you do to change that?” I really felt Kelly’s energy and spirit throughout our conversation. This wasn’t an interview, but more of a conversation about how X3 Sports changes people’s lives. Every day. Kelly’s life changed after she became an X3 member. Her investment in X3 Sports is paying off, but more importantly, her investment in herself is priceless.
Of course, an obligatory selfie with Kelly!
Kelly Engleka
“There are no big breaks. Only tiny drips of effort that lead to waves of momentum.” – Jeff Goins
I immediately joined X3 in January 2015 after running a race and after getting the race pictures back, my heart sank. I didn’t think I was out of shape, but I knew I was overweight, a weird dynamic to say the least.
I joined and jumped into everything X3 without taking a trial class. My first day was Kickboxing class with Joel Kasik. After class, he fist bumped me and asked my name. I went back the next day, and Joel remembered me – which meant one of two things: 1. He’s a genius and remembers all the newbies names or 2. I was so out of shape that I was hard to forget. Either way, the rest is history.
I immediately felt welcome and at home at X3, that was anything but typical coming for a former member of LA Fitness and Lifetime Fitness. In March, I distinctly remember observing a Muay Thai class and fell in love with martial arts immediately. Late September, I started attending Mike’s PowerTrack class. After 4 months, I lost weight and enhanced my strength. One of the crucial components of my weight loss journey has been the transformation of my mind. Mike recognized the athlete’s spirit in me immediately and continues to encourage me to fuel, train, and recover like the enabled athlete I am.
These days I’m at the gym 5 days a week, my routine usually consists of Muay Thai, FastTrack, and PowerTrack. X3 really is a family; it shows every single day I walk in the door.
I’ve lost 30 pounds since joining, and my 32 year old body is more resilient than ever. My heart is so full, and my spirit is hugely grateful for Mike, Joel, and all of the lifelong friends I’ve created through mutual hard work at X3. I’m thankful for the gym, the people, and the process and I’m proud of the things I achieved in 2015 – the weight loss, cutting 30 minutes off my half marathon time, increased mobility, and so much more. SEE MORE OF KELLY’S STORY ON OUR BLOG.*
Charlotte Evans
I decided on my birthday this year that I was tired of the status quo. I was kind of fat and kind of tired, and I was tired of being tired. I decided to make some changes to my inner me. As an afterthought, I added a throwaway about physical changes I would not be opposed to. Five days later, I came to X3 Sports in Marietta and got my tail handed to me. But I came back. And I made it through and become an X3 member. And each class, I push harder. I am more active overall and eat healthier.
I am one pound from losing a pound for every year I have been on Earth (41) and I am down 5 sizes. I decide to rise daily because I never want to be the same broken down tired mess I was less than 9 months ago in February 2015.
At 41, I never thought I’d be able to do this! SEE MORE OF CHARLOTTE’S STORY ON OUR BLOG.*
Success Story:In-Depth with Charlotte Evans
Tired of feeling tired?
This month’s Success Story is Charlotte Evans
Charlotte Evans felt exactly the same way last year. She was athletic in high school and college, but afterwards, her adult life became busy. Charlotte’s career as a juvenile defense attorney in Cobb County kept her in the office and sedentary. And at age 41, she decided to rise up and change her lifestyle.
Follow along with the Success Story this month as we interview Charlotte about how she became a member of our Marietta location and now leads a very active life.
Charlotte punching during Kickboxing class.
WHAT WAS YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE BEFORE X3?
“In high school, I played basketball and ran track. In college, I played tennis a little bit. About 5 or 6 years ago, I did the Couch to 5K for awhile, then I quit, and I couch-surfed for 3 years.
“Last year, I was kind of fat and kind of tired, and just decided I was tired of being tired. So I decided to do something.”
WHAT DID YOU DO?
“My friend Kathy invited me to do crossfit and her daughter Alex wanted to do Kickboxing. We decided to do a free Kickboxing class first at X3 Sports in Marietta on a Tuesday.
“I barely made it through the warm-up, had to sit down for 5 minutes, got up for 5 minutes and then had to sit down for the rest of the class. Most of it was nerves, I don’t like new stuff at all. Change freaks me out. So I think my blood pressure spiked, and I almost passed out.
“I really liked the class and wanted to give it another try, so I asked the instructor. He was super nice and gave me another free class. I came on Thursday, made it through class and joined.”
Kickboxing Warm-ups
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF YOUR X3 EXPERIENCE?
“I always laugh because I talk to new people who are doing the free class: ‘Look you made it through the class, you got me beat. You did way better than me. But just know this: It never gets any easier. Because the more fit you get, the harder you push yourself, the more you can do.’
“For example, when we first started doing burpees, I hate burpees. If we did 20, I could do 6. Now I am up to 12. I’m a lot better. You push yourself so it never gets easier, but you do feel better.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT X3?
“I love all the instructors. They all have something different that they offer that I hate. Marius loves this exercise called mountain climbers. He always makes me laugh. Joel does other crazy stuff. I feel like he sat on the couch one day and said ‘what can I do to make them die.’ I’ve called Sig the devil, he puts me through hell every time, but it’s really good. Those are the three main people I take classes from.
“I used to always check the schedule to see and plan, that’s how I know which classes to pick. But now I know it’s good for me to come to a class with an instructor who’s a little harder on me when I think I need it a little bit easier.”
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
“My first goal was to make it through a class successfully, to not feel like I was dying at the end. My next goal was to not be sore for three days. I surpassed those, so now my goals are weird.
“One is to break a bag. So that is always fun!
“Another is flexibility. I want to kick the bottom of those extra leather straps and chains holding the top of the hanging bags that are really high. Right now I can kick where the X3 logo is.
“Never in my life have I ever been able to do a chin-up. So I bought a chin-up bar and put it up in my house, and after dinner one night, I actually did one! Then my next goal was three chin-ups, and a week and half ago, I did four. So my next goal is ten. But after 4-5 classes here a week, my arms are like putty.”
BACK IN AUGUST, YOU ENTERED AND WON OUR “DECIDE TO RISE” CONTEST ABOUT WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO RISE. LET’S RECAP YOUR WINNING ENTRY:
Charlotte’s winning entry of our “Decide to Rise” contest
DO YOU RECOGNIZE THE PERSON YOU WERE 9+ MONTHS AGO (BEFORE X3)?
Before & After (9 Months)
“I always think about it. I went out this weekend and we took a picture, and I was like ‘that doesn’t look like me.’ Now I am getting used to the face I see in the mirror, and I look at pictures of me a year ago, and say ‘that doesn’t look like me.’
“I started off at 189, and right now I hover at 147. I went from needing to be in a size 14 to now on the loose edge of a 6. At 41, I never thought I’d be able to do this! I ran a half-marathon distance three weeks ago. That’s what this place did for me.
“Now, I always take these pictures of myself in my sports bra and exercise shorts in different poses: regular standing, sucking in, side profiles and sucking in. A few months ago, I did a split screen of myself and showed one of my instructors Joel. I said ‘Look what you did to me,’ and he replied ‘Look what you did to yourself.’
YOUR FRIEND INTRODUCED YOU TO X3. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR FRIEND WHO WANTS TO WORK OUT?
“I would encourage anybody to come here. You have to be committed to it. You have to come on days when you don’t want to come. And you just have to do it anyways. That’s the hard part. You have to push through the first three months. To me they were brutal.
“Number one, I was chubby and tired. My whole family had been diagnosed with thyroid issues, and I was sure I must’ve had it too and that was why I was tired all the time. No, I was just fat and out of shape. The first three months was just about trying to get over that tiredness, mustering up the energy and coming here anyways. After I got past all that, it was just about making sure you keep doing it. After about 3 months, I added in other activities. I did running, run-walking and riding my bike here – all to improve my cardio to make class easier.
LAST QUESTION, IF SOMEONE WERE TO ASK YOU WHAT IS X3, WHAT ARE THREE WORDS YOU WOULD SAY?
“1) Pain – because you got to put yourself through it.
“2) Exhilaration – because you feel so much better if you put yourself through it.
“3) Achievement – because I’m in a place I never thought I would be.
“You just see it here in everybody who works here, they believe in it. I don’t do well with people who yell at me to motivate me, being mean to me, but they do, but never in a mean way, telling me I can do it. It gives me a sense of achievement. It makes me work hard. It makes me want to come back for more.”
It is such an ‘easier said than done’ concept to lose a pound for every year you have been on Earth, but how can you not relate to Charlotte’s Success Story. I definitely have had days where I feel fat and tired, and am tired of feeling fat and tired. How about you? Like Charlotte said, it won’t be easy, but it’s worth it…for yourself!
Of course, an obligatory selfie with Charlotte and the X3 Marketing Team.
Personal Training Success Story: In-Depth with Robert Hollander
What motivated you to change your life?
That is an essential question when talking about getting fit and actually doing something about it. You will get many different answers, but one of the best I’ve ever heard is: “Look good naked.”
Success Story:In-Depth with Robert Hollander
What motivated you to change your life?
Our proud X3 member Robert Hollander
That is an essential question when talking about getting fit and actually doing something about it. You will get many different answers, but one of the best I’ve ever heard is: “Look good naked.”
Yes, that simple but true answer comes from X3 member Robert Hollander, our Success Story feature this month. We met up with Robert at the X3 Sports Inman Park location, where Robert has worked with personal trainer, Brian Meadows, five days a week for the past year.
Clearly he loves it! At the ripe age of 62, Robert desires to continue challenging himself with classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and PowerTrack. Read Robert’s personal story of getting fit, boosting his self-image and even increasing his success rate with women!
What changed your life and made you join X3 Sports?
“It’s that image of my father and what happened to him. So my determination is that I don’t want that to be me.”
We understand what Robert means. Seeing a parent, or anyone you love, decline in health and become immobile, is difficult to experience.
“Whatever years I live, I want them to be quality. I want to able to enjoy life.”
Robert toning muscle at X3 Sports
Shortly after his father passed, Robert decided to put his health first. He had a health assessment which included photographs. After seeing the photos, he immediately went online and researched personal training.
After his first Health Assessment, Robert before X3 Sports (January 2015)
After your health assessment, how did you feel?
“When I looked at the photos, I could not believe what I looked like. I couldn’t believe that was me. It was terrible. I had been taking Crossfit for a year. I had no idea, that I absolutely looked that bad. I had to do something about it.”
How did you discover X3 Sports?
Robert realized that Crossfit was not the program for him and wanted a more personal regiment to emphasize toning of his body. Having no idea what to do, he went back online to do research.
“About that time, I discovered Mixed Martial Arts, and Ronda Rousey specifically. Ronda Rousey, she’s just amazing. Reading about her, I discovered one of her specialities was in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
If I’m going to learn something new, that sounded very interesting. So I googled ‘Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’, and the first hit was ‘X3 Sports’.”
Lifting weight during his Personal Training session
Why did you join X3 Sports?
“Wow! I saw all the energy and excitement that was going on here, and the classes, and the enthusiasm…it’s infectious! It was a no brainer. I was here to sign up.”
What made you sign up for personal training at X3 Sports?
Robert recalled seeing X3 Sports trainer Brian Meadows for the first time during his X3 Sports tour and thinking “that guy looks like he does body building,” and Robert wanted that same look.
“I signed up right then and there.
When I look at current selfies and compare them to older ones…I can feel it. Everything. I feel huge!”
Robert accomplishing his objective: “Look good naked.” (October 2015)
How often do you have personal training sessions?
“My first week, I did two sessions. My second week, I did three sessions. After doing three sessions for a couple weeks, I said I would like to do work up to the point where I do a session every day. It took me a couple weeks more to get to the point where I do a session every day.
My general level of fitness is much higher than it was than in those days.”
What motivates you to stay in shape and train at X3 Sports?
“The objective is to look good naked!” responded Robert laughing. Definitely a great answer!
“The question I ask myself is what motivated me before? And so this desire to not be like my father is probably what has kept me going even when I haven’t seen results. But now what motivates me is every week, I can see an improvement.
- One, I don’t want to be like my father.
- Two, I’m 62 years old, so if I don’t do it now, it’s not like I’m going to do it next year. Time is my enemy. That’s why I’m here five days a week. This is a priority, my health is important.
- Three, the results. Not only do I see the results, other people see it too.”
Robert lifting during his Personal Training session
Do you enjoy taking selfies now after becoming fit?
“I have never been one to take selfies, but now I take alot. I never did that before. I take selfies everyday now. I can tell the difference from three weeks ago, from the week before.”
- Robert gaining his confidence, self-esteem and presence back!
Has your confidence changed?
“I’ve never been somebody to admire the way I look, and now I do. I have random people, saying to me ‘You look great’ and ‘You’re in great shape.’ Especially lovely ladies!
Yes, especially in dealing with members of the opposite sex, my confidence and self-esteem has gone way up. My physical presence among other people has gone through the roof!
My success rate has gone way up, as far as meeting ladies and going on dates; it went from nothing to a lot. With the only difference being that I’m exercising.”
What are your next goals at X3 Sports?
“My next goal is to integrate something along with my five sessions a week. And that goal is, at the moment, return to the original objective of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
A jovial laugh is the perfect ending to our interview with Robert. He shared his journey from the beginning to almost a year later at X3 Sports. We feel so inspired! He’s going strong, and we cannot wait to see him on the mat!
And of course, a selfie with Robert!
Robert Hollander
I signed up right then and there after my X3 Sports tour. I saw all the energy and excitement and the classes and the enthusiasm…it’s infectious! It was a no brainer.
What motivated me to get fit is this desire to not be like my father (who was immobile in his later years). Whatever years I live, I want them to be quality. To be able to enjoy life. What motivates me now is every week, I can see an improvement. I can see the difference, but more importantly, I can feel the difference. My general level of fitness is also much higher than it was in the past.
My confidence and self-esteem have gone way up, especially when dealing with members of the opposite sex. My success rate has gone way up as far as meeting ladies and going on dates, it went from nothing to a lot. With the only difference being, I’m exercising.
My next goal is to integrate something along with my five personal training sessions a week. That goal is to return to the original objective of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. SEE MORE OF ROBERT’S STORY ON OUR BLOG*
Nathan Williams: MMA Amateur Fighter Turns Pro
Exclusive One-on-One Interview with Nathan Williams
If you’ve seen him fight in the ring, you’ve seen the burning passion in Nathan “Nasty Nate” Williams. Nate is a local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Stone Mountain, Georgia, who started wrestling in high school. Loving the challenges of MMA, Nate sees himself going against other intelligent and strategic fighters such as Connor McGregor, currently ranked the #1 in the UFC Featherweight division, someday.
Nate is about see one of his dreams turn into a reality. This weekend, “Nasty Nate” will take the stage for the first time as a Pro Fighter.
With a background in sports, Nate is a natural in the ring and trains at the X3 Sports West Midtown location. Learn how he got his nickname “Nasty Nate” and why he will be the next big MMA fighter!
Congratulations, Nate! What does going Pro in MMA mean to you?
“Turning pro is a dream come true! It is really a stepping stone into a longer journey ahead. A lot of people do not make it to the pro ranks, so I thank God for letting me get this far.”
Your MMA nickname is “Nasty Nate”. Where did that come from?
“My nickname came from my second amateur fight. I was fighting for Conflict MMA and the announcer came to the back to ask me if I had a nickname. I said no, but my boy Demarques Jackson told the announcer that it was “nasty”. And ever since then, it just stuck with me.”
How long have you been training as an MMA fighter?
“I have been training in MMA for three years now. My first class was Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, at the X3 Sports Inman Park location with Helio Soneca.”
What about MMA do you love? How does it challenge you?
“I love that MMA has a wrestling aspect to it, as well as all the other aspects it contains. Being a 13-year wrestler, I wanted to be able to use my strong suits, as compared to boxing, which I felt I would be selling myself short.”
“Mixed martial arts challenges me because I want to be the best in the world! And there are so many fighters in the world, that it is a constant struggle to be the best.”
What are your favorite moves in the Octagon?
“As a wrestler, my favorite moves are takedowns and chokes. I tend to take people’s backs pretty easily, so essentially choking them comes next.”
What is your walk out song and why?
“My fight songs vary. Right now it’s “Ambition” by Meek Mills and Wale because I feel fighting is my ambition, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
How did you discover X3 Sports? And what has X3 done for you?
“I discovered X3 Sports just off of an internet browser searching for “mma gyms”, and it was one of the first results that came up and was relatively close to my house. I went for a free class and signed up the same day!”
“X3 has changed my life completely! Besides giving me two cauliflower ears, LOL, it has made me become the martial artist I am today! I’ve earned a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as red belt in Muay Thai! I’ve also won several Jiu Jitsu competitions, as well as amateur fights and it would not be possible without X3 Sports.”
What is your daily routine at X3?
“My daily routine at X3 begins with an hour of Muay Thai, then an hour of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, followed by an hour of fight team training.”
What are 3 words you would use to describe X3 Sports for other fighters who ask you about where you train?
“Best gym in Georgia! 4 words… I know!”
I read that your MMA idols are Connor McGregor and Jon Jones. Why these two?
“Connor McGregor is my temporary idol because he has a dynamic striking style and has taken the MMA world by storm. He will be a future opponent soon enough, so that’s why he is temporary. But in my opinion, Jon Jones is the best fighter of all time. I try to emulate his style as much as possible. Plus, we are only three days apart in age.”
You won your last two fights at NFC 75 and 76 and have a big fight coming up at NFC 80 against Jason Everhart – how are you preparing and what is your strategy against him?
“I don’t really focus on my opponent as long as I am on my game. My game plan is to come into the cage, take control, win the battle on my feet, then take him down and submit him.”
You started fighting at Featherweight 145, and moved into Lightweight 155 – what is your reasoning behind that?
“Lightweight is a very easy weight class for me to make! I’m a little on the smaller side in the lightweight division, but my grappling and movement are strong enough to compete. 145 is the weight class that I used to fight in because I am considered a large featherweight and I can impose my will in that weight class.”
We know you are cutting weight right now, but after making weight and winning Saturday, what is a big meal you’d love to eat?
“A big meal I would love to eat is Chinese! I am a Chinese food fanatic, so anything Chinese I am satisfied with!”
I see you hanging out with a lot of the other MMA fighters who train at X3 Sports, how important is that support system and training together?
“Us training together is the key to all our success! We are able to help push and motivate each other. We also help each other cut weight. Even when we aren’t fighting, we are still there each other in the saunas and definitely at the fights. It’s a brotherhood we have now, and I wouldn’t change my team for the world!”
Congratulations on your engagement! What does your fiancé think of MMA? Have you taught her any moves?
“Thank you very much! Yes, my fiancé is actually a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu herself. We help each other out on moves, but me more so then her.”
The holidays are coming up, what will you be doing?
“I will be training! I’m trying to be in a major fight organization by the end of 2016, so that means I will be grinding my butt off in the gym!”
Lastly, tell us and your fans out there, something cool about you that we don’t know!
“Something cool about me is that I am a very outgoing and sociable person. I am probably the nicest laid-back person one can meet. I love to smile! Back in high schoo, I had braces and glasses, so my smile has already been paid for.”
After speaking with “Nasty Nate”, I’m even a bigger fan of his. His persona really shines. I’m almost inclined to call him “Nice Nate”… 🙂 Remember to say “hello” when you see him training at West Midtown!
ADDENDUM: “Nasty Nate” wins his first Pro MMA fight with a triangle choke in Round One at 1:31.
You can watch Nate fight this Saturday, December 5th at CenterStage Atlanta 8pm/EST. Tickets available online!
Follow Nasty Nate on Instagram and Facebook
Brandy Nichole – Legion Of Boom
Worked out in my Leigon of Boom shirt today. Being a part of a group of people with the same goal is what changes the world…. you should try it. #girlswholift #girlpower #1stphorm #leigonofboom #fitchick #fitnessaddict #nextlevel #fighter #muythai #x3sports #girlfight #roundhouse #motivation #atlanta #quads
2015 Fitness Motivation Tips
Author: Cynthia Purcell, Personal Trainer at X3 Sports West Midtown 
In this post, I will share some of the most valuable fitness tips I have encountered from the competitive fitness arena with you. It is my hope to motivate and inspire you to get started on your fitness goals during this New Year. Don’t dream your life, live your dreams! This is your year to be fit and on fire! Challenge yourself to do things this year that you did not think were possible.
Here are my top ten motivational tips to help you accomplish your fitness goals in 2015:
1. Create a vision. Your destiny is at your fingertips. Once you have planted the seed of a fitness lifestyle in your mind, water it and believe. Never stop believing in your dreams.
2. Set goals. Why is this goal important to you? What would you give to accomplish this goal? What will excite you so much about this goal that will keep you coming back? How will things be different or better for you once this goal is achieved? Imagine what you will look like when this goal is achieved, and go for it!
3. Eat clean. Treat food as fuel, or energy for your body. If you consume more fuel than your body needs, it will be stored for later use as fat. Personal trainers can help you understand how much energy in the form of food your body needs to function, as well as give you enough fuel for your workouts. Eating clean can begin as soon as your next meal!
4. Exercise consistently. Success is a journey. You may be surprised to know that you already have what it takes to accomplish your fitness goals. We are all given one hundred and sixty-eight hours in a week. Our choices about what we do with our time affects whether we accomplish our goals or delay our success. Be sure to include working on your fitness goals in your lifestyle as a regular habit. Inconsistent effort leads to inconsistent results. Things will not always happen when you want them to happen. Nevertheless, you can always control the amount of effort you put toward your goals. Hard work and consistency will get you where you want to go. Stay on your program, follow it through, and finish what you start
5. Be Positive. Being positive, learning and growing from your fitness experiences is essential to your success.
6. Overcome obstacles. There are times that will be difficult on your fitness journey and there will be setbacks. If you fall off your exercise plan, cheat on your diet, or fail to accomplish your fitness goals, keep trying again & again. It is not the end. Success is built on a succession of failures. Remember that nothing is impossible. Obstacles are only as big as you make them. No matter how hard diet and exercise is, never, never quit! You can always choose to start the day all over again
7. Deal with negativity. There is no such thing as negative energy. There are people with negative attitudes who may criticize you, tell you that you can’t do what you are going for, or try and sabotage your efforts at living a healthy lifestyle. Don’t listen to them! Negativity is best ignored while you focus on your fitness goals. If there is an idea that is helpful to your growth embedded in someone’s negative communication style, take the pearl of wisdom and leave the rest behind. The only limits you have are those created by your own mind.
8. Enlist social support. Surround yourself with positive people who are supportive and encouraging of your fitness goals. Exercising with friends is a wonderful motivator to make sure you actually exercise!
9. Take group fitness classes. Taking group fitness classes is an excellent way to get started on your fitness journey. There is a sense of comradery when you take group fitness classes and you get to know others in class. If you are not there, people notice! The social support from participating in group fitness classes can assist you in accomplishing fitness goals.
10. Try Personal Training. Personal training helped me lose 40 pounds after having two children, decrease my body fat by 10%, and firm up my target areas. I know that personal training can help you accomplish your fitness goals, too. A personal trainer introduces an element of motivation and accountability that is an excellent addition to group fitness classes and can help you accomplish your goals far more quickly than exercising alone.
I wish you great success on your fitness journey! This year is going to be your best year ever!
Cynthia’s Credentials:
Masters level Fitness Coach
National Association of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer
National Physique Committee Bikini Competitor
Certified Yoga instructor